We have no inherent dislike of Bryant Gumbel, but sometimes we think there's some sort of slow gas leak in his home. Greg Gumbel's wacky brother has really done it this time, angering his NFL overlords (he was hired to do play-by-play on eight NFL Network games this season) when he made a rude comment about Gene Upshaw on his HBO show. Something about how Paul Tagliabue should show his successor (Roger Goodell) "where he keeps Gene Upshaw's leash." Wait, here's the quote:

Before he cleans out his office, have Paul Tagliabue show you where he keeps Gene Upshaw's leash. By making the docile head of the players union his personal pet, your predecessor has kept the peace without giving players the kind of guarantees other pros take for granted. Try to make sure no one competent ever replaces Upshaw on your watch.

If Gumbel wanted out of the job, he may have received his wish. It also would have been fun to have had Gumbel make that comment 25 years ago. Because we've never seen a broadcaster stretched like circus taffy.

By the way, so it's know that we said it: Gene Upshaw really is horrible. Freelance writers have a better union.